TO: Ohio Valley Region Executive Board

FROM: Bill McCuddy, OVR Conservation Liaison

DATE: 18 Feb. 1999

RE: OVR Annual Conservation Project:

Sloan’s Valley Cave, Garbage Pit Entrance

Tentative Date, October 1999

I have selected the Garbage Pit Entrance area of Sloan’s Valley Cave for several reasons, foremost of which is the variety of projects which can be accomplished within easy logistical distance from the entrance. In addition to the standard trash and graffiti removal, large, easily accessible formation areas exist which are seriously in need of restoration.

Speleothem restoration is a new direction for our annual conservation project and not something to be undertaken lightly. My previous experience in this type of work includes major restoration in the Austin Attic, Austin Entrance, Flint Ridge done with the CRF as well as recent work accomplished in the "P" Passage in Sloan’s. Through this experience I know that new ground is broken every time and there is still much to be learned. I believe that there is a "brain trust" amongst cavers in the OVR, which could be harnessed to provide the expertise to improve technique and, perhaps, tackle some pretty ambitious projects.

Specific areas of Sloan’s I hope to address include:

?#9;The western terminus of the "Appalachia Trail" where in 1992 911 responders needless sledgehammered numerous formations in their less than helpful participation in a cave rescue.

?#9;Garbage Pit Hill still has some graffiti and trash missed on previous cleanups; in addition, a large stalactitic formation called "The Guardian" was broken from the ceiling was broken from the ceiling by the same 911ers. This is a particularly difficult project as the formation weighs hundreds of pounds and its restoration would require some serious engineering.

?#9;In the Oasis area caver traffic has tracked mud over a huge flowstone hill and damaged rimstone pools. Using backpack forest fire sprayers this could be washed off and a clear trail marked.

Depending upon attendance, a variety of other projects could be done in the immediate area. The prospect of world class caving, a nice (I hope) fall weekend and good camping right next to the project entrance should make for plenty of volunteers.

This project will require much careful planning and communication with OVR grottos to ensure its success. I will be polling the membership in the near future to identity cavers with specific needed skills and conduct a learning session prior to the event to brainstorm technique and logistics.

This is a project which will not only break new ground, but should provide volunteers with a thorough sense of accomplishment. In addition the area targeted for restoration is subject to high caver traffic; many people will see our work and, perhaps, an example will be set.

Sincerely,

Bill McCuddy, OVR Conservation Liaison

3111 Wilberforce-Clifton Rd.

Cedarville, OH 45314

(937) 767-9427

(937) 426-2808 x294 (ofc.)

bmccuddy@utcdayton.com